In the wake of last December’s ice storm, the Trustees authorized the establishment of the Emergency Planning Committee. Our group was asked to review the impact of the events of December 11-15 here at Ridgefield, as well as, to conduct a comprehensive review of all aspects of emergency planning as they relate to our condominium complex. After a series of meetings, the committee presented its initial report to the Board of Trustees on June 17th.

The eight core recommendations of the committee included:

• Provide public education on personal readiness for these types of events by informing our residents of the resources available both within our condominium complex and in the Clinton area.

• Identify ways of improving communications with Ridgefield residents during an emergency.

• Determine the cost and benefit of installing an emergency standby generator to power the recreation hall.

• Determine how the recreation hall might be best utilized as a limited private shelter during similar types of emergencies.

• Identify a small inventory of first aid supplies to have on hand at the recreation hall.

• Solicit volunteers to check in on and provide assistance to our neighbors during emergencies.

• Encourage residents with special needs to voluntarily share vital information with our staff for use during an emergency event.

• Review Ridgefield Rules & Regulations to insure that residents take proper safety precautions during certain emergencies.

With the approval of the Trustees, our committee will begin to implement the recommendations in the coming months. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month, starting at 7PM in the Recreation Hall, Please stop by to share your ideas and concerns on Emergency Planning.

Did you know … that cats and dogs can get sunburned especially during the summer months? Yes, pets can get sunburned and it can cause blistering and skin cancer as it can in humans.  This is especially true around the ears, nose and tummy. 

As we love our four-legged friends at Ridgefield, here are some tips on enjoying walks with your pet:

1. Sunscreen before heading out - Apply kids’ sunscreen with NO zinc to the sensitive areas. Cats and dogs with white faces or ears may be susceptible to sunburn even if they only sun-bathe indoors!  If your pet is prone to licking it off there are two companies that offer pet-safe sun block: Doggles and Nutri-vet.
    

2. Leashes please - All pets should wear a collar and ID tag year-round. Cats should be outfitted with a breakaway collar for maximum safety.  For added insurance you may want to have your pet micro chipped.
    

3. Just say NO to parasites - Fleas, ticks, and other parasites are a year-round problem in some areas, but in the summer they are everywhere. Mosquitoes, for instance, can transmit heartworms; fleas can give your pet tapeworms.  Even if they wear a flea collar, give your pets a little extra protection before you begin your walk. Many products are available, so check with your veterinarian about the best products for your cat or dog.
    

4. Share the water - Pets are susceptible to heatstroke, so be sure your pet always has a nearby shelter from the sun, and plenty of fresh water, particularly if you plan to walk the entire outer circle of Ridgefield.  If it’s extremely hot and humid during your walk, consider a cooling vest for your dog or a collapsible water dish.
   
   Note:  Heatstroke symptoms in dogs include heavy panting, salivation, disorientation, agitation, rapid heart beat, lethargy, vomiting, seizures, coma and death.  If the animal shows symptoms of heatstroke, take steps to gradually lower its body temperature immediately.
    

   1. Move the animal into the shade or an air-conditioned area.
       

   2. Apply ice packs or cold towels to the head, neck, and chest; or immerse her in cool (but not cold) water.
       

   3. Allow small amounts of cool water or let the dog lick some ice cubes.
       

   4. Get to a veterinarian as soon as possible.
       

5. Stay clear of sharp objects. As the grasses and other plants die back, their seed cases can present special hazards. Foxtails and burrs can get caught in the paws or fur and work their way into - or even through - the skin. Check your pet after every outing to make sure they’re free of these nasty items.
    

6. Watch out for other four-legged creatures - chances of an encounter with wildlife at Ridgefield is great.   They include foxes, huge squirrels, rabbits, skunks, snakes and other reptiles. Certain large toads have poisons on their skin that can be harmful if your pet even licks at the toad. Toads come out in wet weather and when it’s dark, so be especially careful when walking your dog at these times.
    

7. Help keep the Ridgefield walk a pleasure full experience for all pets and their owners – Pick up after your pet.  There are countless pooper scoopers on the market to meet the distinctive tastes of even the most discriminating pet owner.

So have fun and enjoy the Ridgefield walk with your pets!

Did you know …?

• Each year gas-fueled and charcoal grills cause an average of 900 home structure fires and 3,500 home outdoor fires?
   

• Half of all gas grill and charcoal grill home structure fires begin on an exterior balcony or open porch!
   

• Gas grills have a higher fire risk than charcoal grills? (Leaks and breaks in the gas cylinder or hose are the leading cause, accounting for nearly half of gas grill fires.)
   

• Placing combustibles too close to heat, and leaving cooking unattended, are the two leading causes for charcoal grill home fires?

Let’s take care of each other this summer by following some of the simple safety tips listed here for outdoor cooking.

Safety Tips for Outdoor Grilling

As more of us plan to stay local this summer to save gas, outdoor cooking is a great any day of the week fun activity.  Here are some safety tips to make the fun last:

• Do not place grills of any kind on balconies!

• Gas and charcoal grills must only be used outdoors.  If used indoors, or in any enclosed spaces, they pose both a fire hazard and risks of exposing occupants to toxic gases and potential asphyxiation.

• Position the grill well away from siding, deck railings and out from under leaves and overhanging branches.

• Keep children and pets away from grill areas: declare a three-foot “safe zone” around the areas, and foot traffic.

• Place grills a safe distance from lawn games.

• Put out several long-handled grilling tools to give the chef plenty of clearance from heat and flames when flipping burgers, fish steaks, veggies and other goodies.

• Periodically remove grease or fat buildup in trays below the grill so it cannot be ignited by a hot grill.

Charcoal Grills

• Purchase the proper starter fluid and store the can out of reach of children, and away from heat sources.
   

• Never add charcoal starter fluid when coals or kindling have already been ignited,
   

• Never use any flammable or combustible liquid other than charcoal starter fluid to get the fire going.

Gas Grills

• Check the gas cylinder hose for leaks before using it for the first time each year.  A light soap and water solution applied to the hose will quickly reveal escaping propane by releasing bubbles.

If you determine your grill has a gas leak, by smell or the soapy bubble test, and there is no flame:

• Turn off the gas tank and grill.
   

• If the leak stops, get the grill serviced by a professional before using it again.  According to the manufacturer instructions.
   

• If the leak does not stop, call 911.
   

• If you smell gas while cooking, immediately get away from the grill and call 911.  Do not attempt to move the grill.

Note:  All gas cylinders manufactured after April 2002 must have overfill protection devices (OPD).  These devices shut off the flow of gas before capacity is reached, limiting the potential for release of propane gas if the cylinder heats up.  They are easily identified by their triangular-shaped hand wheel.

• Use only equipment bearing the mark of an independent testing laboratory.
   

• Follow the manufacturers’ instructions on how to set up the grill and maintain it.
   

• Never store propane gas cylinders in buildings or garages. If you store a gas grill inside during the winter, disconnect the cylinder and leave it outside. (See The Ridgefield Review -June, 2008 Volume 23, Issue 6)

Happy Grilling!!!

Note:  This article was brought to you by the members of the Ridgefield Grounds Committee (RGC) and taken from the Fairfax County, Virginia Fire and Rescue Department Public Information and Life Safety Education publication - Grills on Patios

The RGC welcomes YOU at all our meetings.  We are always seeking members to share ideas for making Ridgefield one of the most beautiful, safest and well managed communities in Massachusetts.

Grounds Committee Article

Did you know …

That squirrels are one of very few wild animals that have adapted to humans and learned to coexist with man. It can live on both natural foods and hand outs. Your place or mine? In the summer squirrels are most active two to three hours after sunrise, and then they'll rest in the afternoon, resuming activity again two hours before sunset.   The squirrel will retire to its nest well before dark, and will rarely leave the nest in the dark.   In the winter, the squirrel will complete its activities between dawn and mid- day, and will remain in or around the nest until the next day. Some squirrels, like we discussed in last month’s article, has been known to build a nest in attics or crawl spaces, automobiles, chimney's, barbecue grills, under porches and in walls.    And this is where the love of squirrels ends for many of us - when the little critters invade our home!   How do you know you have uninvited guests? You won't know you have squirrels immediately after they move in.  Eventually, you will smelled them or hear them as they move to and from the nest.  The aroma of Squirrel perfume no. 5 can be particularly strong after rainstorms or on very humid days.  If they are running around in your chimney or in walls, you'll usually hear them at the same time every day.  When you start making noise the squirrel goes quiet.

How do you evict the new tenants?

Most will agree that live trapping is the only humane way to remove unwanted squirrels.   Bad for both you and the squirrel is poisoning or attempting to smoke or burn the squirrel out.  If the squirrel is poisoned and dies in a hard to reach space, you have not only created a health hazard, but also a more expensive problem to correct. You won't like the smell either!

Here’s what to do:

1. Call the Ridgefield office for assistance!  The maintenance crew is a smart and courageous bunch who will assist you with setting up the traps.  Hooray for our side!
    

2. Help the crew place traps where you hear or see the activity. Using a Rat/Squirrel lure (walnut oil based) on a cracker or piece of fruit behind the trip pan is very helpful as a lure. You may also try peanut butter.  Sometimes it's mixed with oatmeal or molasses.
    

3. Once the unwanted guest is caught, cover the trap with a small towel to calm the squirrel, and then call the Ridgefield office.  The maintenance crew will retrieve the trap and ensure that the squirrels are released a safe distance from our complex

What do you do to discourage them from coming back?

1. Remove firewood stacked against the building of privacy fence
    

2. If there are cracks in the foundational wall, repair them.
    

3. Gutter guards and covering down spouts will reduce the amount of squirrels entering through the roof top.
    

4. Be careful with feeding wild birds (see the March Ridgefield Review)

Remember - It is important to seal up and repair all entry points after trapping the squirrels so they no longer have access.  The maintenance crew can assist you with this task.

Note: 

The article was brought to you by the Ridgefield Grounds Committee (RGC), the Animal Wildlife Association, Birding.About.com, www.squirrels.org, http://www.factsfacts.com/MyHomeRepair/squirrels.htm, www.doyourownpestcontrol.com/squirrelcontrol.htm, and the Squirrel Lover’s Club at Squirrelly Productions.  If you are not connected to the internet, visit your favorite bird feed or hardware store for the products described here.  Have any ideas for articles, send mail to: GYG_78@msn.com

{Sidebar: “The RGC welcomes YOU at all our meeting.  We are always seeking members to share ideas for making Ridgefield one of the most beautiful, safest and well managed communities in Massachusetts.)”}

“DOO-DADS”

Now that Spring is here you may be enticed to put your decorations and “Doo-Dads” out in front of your unit.  Please be aware that this is a violation of the Rules & Regulations governing our community.   The Grounds Committee and Board of Trustees are in the process of determining if the policy will be changed.  In the meantime, please refrain from putting any personal decorations at the front of your unit.  Please call the office should you have any questions.

Below is a list of acceptable items, as voted on by the Board of Trustees, that may be placed in the common area surrounding units. 

Acceptable items include:

• Hanging flowers at front entrance
   

• Planters with real (not artificial) flowers (No whiskey barrels)
   

• Planting annuals in front beds
   

• Door mats
   

• Wreaths on front doors
   

• Flags attached to trim not siding
   

• Holiday decorations at appropriate times and removed within a reasonable time after the holiday has passed.

We are asking that all items not described above be removed from common areas immediately. These items may be moved to your limited common area, which is the twenty feet (20’) directly behind your unit. 

We look forward to your support in maintaining our Ridgefield lifestyle now and in the future.